A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a revised sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries purchasing large amounts of Russian oil and gas. India and China are among the five countries specifically targeted, placing renewed pressure on their energy trade with Moscow while raising questions about the future of India-US commercial relations. India tariff threat under revised US bill

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a 90-minute call on Iran, Ukraine, and Gulf tensions, discussing ceasefire efforts, diplomacy, and possible US actions on Iranian ports. Putin and Trump discuss Iran tensions and Ukraine in lengthy phone call as Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Donald Trump addressing ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, according to statements from the Kremlin. The discussion, confirmed by aide Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday, lasted more than 90 minutes and was described as both “frank” and “businesslike,” reflecting the seriousness of the geopolitical issues involved. A central topic of the conversation was the situation in Iran and the broader Persian Gulf. Putin reportedly welcomed Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire involving Iran, emphasizing that the move could provide critical time for diplomatic negotiations and help reduce escalating tensions across the region. The call highlighted mutual concerns about stability in key global energy corridors and the potential consequences of prolonged conflict. According to a White House official, Trump also discussed strategies with U.S. oil companies to mitigate the economic and logistical impact of a possible long-term U.S. blockade targeting Iranian ports. The potential blockade, which could last for months, is part of broader efforts to pressure Tehran amid ongoing disputes over regional security and nuclear negotiations. During the conversation, Trump urged Iranian leadership to act swiftly, signaling that diplomatic opportunities remain open but limited. His remarks underscored Washington’s push for a negotiated agreement while maintaining pressure through economic and strategic measures. The exchange between the two leaders reflects continued engagement between the United States and Russia on key international crises, even amid broader tensions in bilateral relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on Wednesday, discussing key global issues including the ongoing Ukraine war and rising tensions in the Middle East. The conversation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, marked their first known direct contact since March and reflected continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries. According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, both leaders focused extensively on developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation involving Iran and the broader Persian Gulf region. Ushakov said Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire with Iran, noting that such a move could create space for negotiations and contribute to regional stability. The discussion also included specific proposals from Russia regarding Iran, though details were not publicly disclosed. The Ukraine conflict was another central topic of the call. Putin reportedly expressed readiness to declare a temporary ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, an annual commemoration of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. The proposal is seen as a symbolic gesture tied to a major national observance, although its broader implications remain unclear. During the call, Putin also condemned the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and conveyed support in response to the incident. Additionally, he extended birthday greetings to Melania Trump and acknowledged her efforts in humanitarian matters, including initiatives aimed at reconnecting families affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Victory Day, observed annually in Moscow with a military parade, will reportedly be scaled back this year due to security concerns, including potential threats of retaliatory strikes. The call highlights ongoing dialogue between the two leaders amid complex geopolitical challenges.

The United Arab Emirates is set to host a historic round of trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia, marking a potentially significant development in international efforts to end the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the upcoming talks while addressing global leaders and policymakers during a high-profile economic forum in Davos, describing the meeting as the first instance where representatives from all three sides wi

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held discussions with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter, marking the latest attempt by the Trump administration to revive momentum toward a negotiated settlement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The meetings were described as part of a broader diplomatic effort aimed at narrowing longstanding divisions between Moscow and Kyiv, which have intensified despite repeated international appeals for de-es

In a move reflecting deepening frustration within Washington, United States President Donald Trump has reportedly cancelled a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The decision follows Moscow’s insistence on sweeping conditions for peace in Ukraine, which American officials have described as amounting to a demand for Ukraine’s surrender of sovereignty. According to reports, the decision came after Russia sent a detailed memorandum outlining Putin’s terms for en

As the highly anticipated Alaska summit between United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin approaches, tensions over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have intensified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly reiterated that his country will not give up any land to Moscow, rejecting the idea of territorial concessions in exchange for a potential ceasefire. His comments come amid reports from US officials suggesting th

As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine draws closer, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to hold crucial talks with Russian officials and possibly President Vladimir Putin himself. Trump had previously issued a 50-day ultimatum to Putin to halt military actions, but last month he unexpectedly shortened it to just 10 to 12 days. This deadline is now set to expire within the week, increasing global tensions as Russia cont

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he was unaware the United States imports uranium and fertilizers from Russia, a revelation that adds a new layer of complexity to ongoing international trade discussions. His comment comes as India continues to defend its oil imports from Russia amid criticism from Western nations, pointing out that even the US continues strategic trade with Moscow. In response to a question during a press interaction about ongoing imports of Russian u

In a move that has intensified already strained relations between Washington and Moscow, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to regions near Russia. This decision came as a direct response to threats issued by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who recently warned of potential nuclear retaliation using the Cold War-era Dead Hand system. The move signals a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the Un